15 German-Inspired Oktoberfest Recipes
Giant Bavarian Pretzels
Don't let this classic Oktoberfest recipe intimidate you—it's a lot easier than it looks. Once you've mastered the twisting technique, get creative with various toppings like parmesan, chocolate, and cinnamon sugar.
Recipe: Try our Giant Bavarian Pretzels
Handy Apple Strudels
Stuffed with a crumbly Granny Smith apple, pecan, and date filling, this flaky, sugary pastry is basically a grown-up Pop-Tart. You won't be able to have just one.
Recipe: Try our Handy Apple Strudels
Red Velvet Champagne Cocktail
This four-ingredient libation still abides by the beer tradition with stout, but the chocolatey flavor is enhanced by pink champagne and a sprinkling of espresso powder. Prost!
Recipe: Try our Red Velvet Champagne Cocktail
Chicken or Pork Schnitzel with Quick Sweet ’n’ Sauer-Kraut & Apple, Onion & Potato Salad
Photography by Joesph De Leo
"In our neck of the woods, it’s Oktoberfest until it’s Halloween. Celebrate with one of my German faves: schnitzel." —Rach
Recipe: Try Rach's Chicken or Pork Schnitzel with Quick Sweet 'n' Sauer-Kraut & Apple, Onion & Potato Salad
Knocks 'n' Brats & Red Cabbage & Potatoes Rösti
Sausage, brats, red cabbage, and potato—what more could you want during this German celebration?
Recipe: Try Rach's Knocks 'n' Brats & Red Cabbage & Potatoes Rösti
Bratwurst Pretzel Pizza
Use a simple skillet crust and pre-cooked bratwurst to make this delicious dish even easier. Top it off with caraway seeds and yellow mustard for an extra dash of flavor.
Recipe: Try our Bratwurst Pretzel Pizza
Rach's Okto-Burgers
Photography by Kate Mathis
Ground beef, sauerkraut, onions, pickles, and dijon mustard stacked high atop a pretzel bun? Count us in.
Recipe: Try Rach's Okto-Burgers
Knocks 'n' Brats Stoup
This in-between dish stuffed with potato, cabbage, brats, and sausage is part soup, part stew, all-around delicious. Bonus points if you serve it up with a side of toasted pumpernickel bread.
Recipe: Try our Knocks 'n' Brats Stoup
Brats 'n' Kraut
Sauerkraut lovers, this one's for you. Rejoice in the fact that the prep time is almost as fast as it takes to devour a full plate of these spicy skewers.
Recipe: Try our Brats 'n' Kraut
Beer-Roasted Pork Shoulder
When you're sick of sausage and bored with beer, this main course will flip the switch. We give you permission to enjoy one (or two, or three) Red Velvet Champagne Cocktails while it's in the oven roasting away.
Recipe: Try our Beer-Roasted Pork Shoulder
Cabbage Salad
It wouldn't be Oktoberfest without it. With just eight ingredients (most of which you likely already have!), there's no excuse not to make this tangy side dish.
Recipe: Try our Cabbage Salad
Hot Dog Paprikash
Hot dog-style sausage or bratwurst puts a German spin on this traditional Hungarian dish. Plus, the classic combo of onion, garlic, and sweet paprika pairs perfectly with a pint.
Recipe: Try our Hot Dog Paprikash
White Asparagus Bread Salad with Hollandaise
Not all Oktoberfest recipes need to be completely indulgent. This lighter bite lets you partake in the fun while still erring on the healthy side.
Recipe: Try our White Asparagus Bread Salad with Hollandaise
German Chocolate Praline Cake
Photography by Peter Ardito
After one bite of this decadent cake, you'll say goodbye to plain old chocolate recipes for good. The nutty topping—toasted coconut and pecans—and sugary icing are impossible to resist.
Recipe: Try our German Chocolate Praline Cake
Beer and Cheese Soup
With a base of carrots, leeks, and amber beer, plus a hearty helping of sharp cheddar, this savory soup is a no-brainer for any Oktoberfest celebration. Top 'er off with croutons and pepper and you'll be saying "Danke" in no time.
Recipe: Try our Beer and Cheese Soup
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